Drug drivers concern police

POLICE are concerned by the number of drug affected drivers choosing to get behind the wheel after concerning Operation Nexus results.

CONCERNING: Ballarat Highway Patrol Senior Sergeant Pat Cleary remains concerned by the number of drug affected drivers in the region.

Police recorded 123 offences in the Ballarat policing region between Thursday and Sunday, with 11 drivers testing positive for drugs.

Highway Patrol Senior Sergeant Pat Cleary said police would continue to drug test drivers over the long operation which will run until midnight on Anzac Day.

Of the offences issued 33 drivers were caught speeding, 12 were issued infringements for unlicensed driving, two drivers were disqualified, three cyclist offences were committed, three impoundments were made, 15 unregistered vehicles were nabbed, four drivers were nabbed for mobile offences while one driver was caught for a seatbelt offence.

Seven were nabbed for disobeying a traffic control, 11 tested positive to an oral fluid test and six had a higher than prescribed blood alcohol concentration.

“The rising number of drug affected drivers in the Ballarat region is a cause of concern for police members,” Senior Sergeant Cleary said.

“We ask drivers to remain focused – we know the roads will be packed with motorists travelling home from holidays.

“We implore drivers to remain focused as we know the main causes of trauma during this time are fatigue and distraction. Drivers must allow time and drive with patience to ensure they get home safely.”

The TAC said drowsy driving is a factor in one-in-ten road deaths with Easter a dangerous time with thousands of Victorians driving to holiday destinations.

“Of concern is that drink and drug drive testing has been carried out across the division and we are concerned that some are being picked up drink or drug driving and we will work to continue to detect drivers.”